Hoppin and iO: custom WordPress website for the Government of Flanders

From user research and testing to the right technology choice

Hoppin is a new initiative to promote flexible mobility and to make the various mobility solutions clear and easy to navigate. At so-called Hoppin points in the streets, various transportation solutions come together, such as the train, tram, shared bicycle, flex bus, and car-sharing. With these hubs as reference points, every user can then plan their ideal route from A to B.

Based on the context and client request, we conducted a preliminary phase of qualitative user testing. Using these insights, we, together with the client, determined the ideal technology to provide the necessary solution. Throughout the entire project, we bridged the gap between the user and development.

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Challenge

In Flanders, people no longer see the forest for the trees in the transportation landscape. Ensure through digital communication and platforms that there is an accessible and clear narrative about intermodal passenger transport, enabling people to easily navigate their way.

Solution

Based on the context and a preliminary phase of qualitative user testing, we opted for a tailor-made digital platform (including design, user testing, and maintenance). Further expanded with features such as a route planner and an integrated ticketing system.

About Hoppin & iO

Hoppin is an initiative of the Flemish Government to promote flexible mobility. At so-called Hoppin points in the Flemish streets, various transportation solutions converge — train, tram, shared bicycles, flex buses, car-sharing, and more. The task for iO was to build an accessible, clear, and user-friendly Hoppin digital platform that integrates well with the Hoppin app. For this project, iO worked on behalf of Common Ground for Hoppin and the Flemish Government. Once the collaboration began, the project progressed smoothly — with regular status meetings and designated contacts to ensure efficient processes.

To the website

Tailor made digital platform

In the realm of digital platforms tailored to perfection, iO crafted a fully customized website in WordPress for Hoppin, complete with design, user testing, and maintenance.

Always up to date

Keeping it current, the site boasts specific features, including a module enabling users to effortlessly locate a Hoppin point in their vicinity. Furthermore, all new Hoppin points are promptly added to the website, ensuring users always have access to the most up-to-date and pertinent information.

Inclusion is important

Highlighting inclusivity, accessibility stands as a top priority for both Hoppin and the Flemish Government. Visitors from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds should be able to navigate through the platform seamlessly. Hence, we dedicated additional attention to elements such as screen readers and contrast ratios. Moreover, the website provides information on the accessibility and parking facilities for wheelchair users at each Hoppin point.

"The collaboration between Hoppin and iO proceeded very smoothly. Thanks to the weekly status meetings and dedicated points of contact, everyone was on the same page, enabling the experts from iO to easily get to work."

Sancho Geentjens, (Hoppin)

Used technologies

Our esteemed experts leveraged various platforms and tools to construct the ideal solution for Hoppin:

WordPress: serving as the central CMS for hosting all content and as the foundation for our custom development
React.js: a tailored module to optimize the representation of Google Maps data and to allow flexible expansion in the future
API layer: facilitating the extraction of data from the Hoppin points and communication between the backend and frontend.

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Are you ready to keep growing?

Hoppin, as a brand and as an organization, is still in its early stages. Nonetheless, many Flemish citizens are already finding their way to the website. The Hoppin journey planner is being frequented thanks to its excellent online visibility.

In the coming months, we will further expand the platform with features such as a route planner that shows users the fastest way from point A to point B, and an integrated ticketing system. These additions will enhance the user experience even more.

Furthermore, website traffic is expected to increase significantly as the network of Hoppin points itself is set to expand greatly. In the coming years, Flanders is projected to gain around 2000 additional Hoppin points. With the appropriate digital ecosystem in place and intermodal hubs being actively constructed, further growth is sure to follow!